Kimandala

Active: 2018 to present

Personnel:
Art Lande - (drums and melodica)
Amanda Williams - (piano)
Kim Bird - (bass)

Kimandala formed in 2018 with the idea of playing original music written by its members, reviving some obscure jazz classics, and discovering the group's improvising identity. The Trio features Amanda Williams, piano, Kim Bird, bass and Art Lande, drums and melodica.

Amanda Williams, with her reliable piano technique, vivid imagination and relaxed, natural and unique time sense, contributes to the majority of the compositions. Hailing from rural Idaho, she earned her Masters in piano performance first at the University of Idaho and then at CU Boulder. Established in the classical realm, her duo with Kathryn Radacovich on vocals focuses on the modern side of music. She also works extensively as an accompanist and teacher.

Kim Bird's bass sound has the clarity and rich resonance that provides the foundation the music needs, while her arco and pizzicato textures help vary the band's colorful landscapes. From Maine, Kim came to Colorado and got her Masters in Jazz Studies at the Lamont school of music (DU). She is active (also on electric bass) in the local scene playing R&B, pop, and classical gigs as well as jazz.

Art Lande brings textures, dynamics, rhythmic invention and melodic ideas into his approach to drums. He is the Artist-in-Residence at the CU Jazz program, and he teaches and performs worldwide. He has played drums with the Boy Girl Band, S, Russian Dragon Band, Funko Moderno and the Emily Takahashi Quintet, and has made numerous recordings over the years.

The challenge of playing Kommando Jazz is to deal with the ever changing rhythms, forms and styles the group's compositions ask for. Listening, responding and creating happen in the various environments that arise. Communication and teamwork are necessary to make the risky business successful. To have individual talents and wishes come forward while finding an ensemble sound and flow makes each piece come to life and feel fresh.

We hope that listeners will be inspired as their ears track the diversity, unity and surprises in the band's musical adventures. We welcome you to Kimandala.

News

Apr 5, 2022
Live Kommando Jazz is back in Boulder.
Come out and hear it live at Caffe Sole, July 15, 2022

Jun 17, 2021
First post-pandemic rehearsal.
Yay!

Feb 7, 2020
Kimandala at Caffe Sole in Boulder.